Who’ll Hear Future Gripes With Government?

There should be a Public Services Ombudsman whose findings are binding.

That is the conclusion of research into what should replace the States of Jersey Complaints Board for islanders who feel they have been wronged by government.

It has been 18 years since the Clothier report recommended an Ombudsman hear people’s gripes about maladministration by States bodies, and more than 18 month since the States agreed the principle of one.

The Jersey Law Commission says a new Ombudsman should have a wider remit – including being able to investigate bad practice in public bodies including the parishes, and without a complaint being made first.

It says findings should be binding and a complainant should be able to go to court if recommendations aren’t implemented.

Currently a Minister is able to reject the conclusions of the existing Complaints Board.

It is estimated that the annual running cost of an Ombudsman scheme would be around £340,000.

It is suggested it could operate across Jersey and Guernsey.

The Law Commission’s 237 page report will be considered by the States, with the Assembly ultimately making a final decision.

“From cradle to grave, individuals and businesses in the island are subject to administrative decisions taken by Ministers, civil servants, parishes and other public authorities. When things go wrong, it’s important that there are user-friendly ways of putting them right. An Ombudsman scheme will improve the ability of people in Jersey to have disputes with the States of Jersey, parishes and other organisations resolved by an independent and impartial body.” – Project leader Andrew Le Sueur